Press Release – For Immediate Release
Issued by the Galway Commuter Coalition
Widespread Opposition to new Starbucks Drive-Thru
A petition to stop Starbucks opening a new drive-thru received over 400 signatures in less than a day.
Galway Commuter Coalition launched the petition in response to plans for the new drive-thru development on the Headford Road. Another drive-thru at the Galway Shopping Centre is the last thing the Headford Road and the surrounding area need, and the Galway public agree.
The Coalition, together with the petition’s signatories, is calling on Galway City Council to refuse Starbucks planning permission for the proposed development.
If approved, the development would:
- Generate more traffic at one of Galway City’s most congested junctions.
- Encourage further car-dependent development in a highly central urban location, decreasing footfall in the shopping centre.
- Undermine any progress to create a more sustainable, accessible and liveable Galway City.
The proposed development is approximately 650 metres from Eyre Square and would be located immediately beside an existing Supermac’s drive-thru.
“Another drive-thru at the Galway Shopping Centre is the last thing the Headford Road and the surrounding area need, and the Galway public agree.
This is a highly central location, close to the heart of the city, and we should be making better use of sites like this. Approving another car-dependent development here would be a step backwards for Galway’s ambition to become a thriving, sustainable and liveable city in the West of Ireland.”
Cathal Lawlor, Chair of the Galway Commuter Coalition
Galway Commuter Coalition is encouraging members of the public who share these concerns to sign the petition and make their views known here:
The planning application is available here:
The deadline for submissions is 16 September 2026.
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For further information, please contact:
Cathal Lawlor
Chairperson, Galway Commuter Coalition
galwaycommutercoalition@gmail.com